Thursday, January 17, 2013

How To Overcome Temptation - Reason Out

How should we respond to temptation? The first point is act in response
to it with a healthy MIND (Lim, 1990).

Joseph when tempted by Potiphar’s wife and urged him to have
sɛx with her said, “My master has withheld nothing from me except you, because
you are his wife. How then could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?”
(Genesis 39:9). In other words, Joseph managed to reason out.

God allowed trials to come into the life of Job, allowing
Satan to inflict death on his beloved family members, ravage his properties and
deteriorate his health (Job 1,2). In all of these, Job’s wife challenged him
with these words, “Are you still holding on to your integrity? Curse God and
die!” (Job 2:9). However, Job replied with all integrity, “You are talking like
a foolish woman. Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?” (Job 2:10).
In other words, Job managed to reason out.

Jesus Christ was fasting for forty days in the desert and
was hungry (Matthew 4:1-2). At this point, the devil saw His eventual weakness.
Then the devil asked Jesus to convert the stones into bread (Matthew 4:3).
However, Jesus responded with all certainty and said, “It is written, ‘Man does
not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God’”
(Matthew 4:4). In other words, Jesus managed to reason out.

The problem with most of many Christians when faced with
temptations is that they forgot to reason out, giving in to what they desire as
suggested by the evil. They would be ruled over by the desire of their flesh
not knowing that that would be temporary enjoyment or excitement, but imminent
troubles or dangers are coming or lying in wait after that.

For example, there is seemingly a wonderful unexplained feeling associated with
gossip, but this would usually result to troubles. If a Christian would reason
out, he or she would never engage in gossip because this would only lead to
troubles. Remember, Satan’s ministry is to destroy (John 10:10a).

There is personal satisfaction connected with eating various
foods, smoking and drinking. However, it is clear that not everything
permissible is beneficial or
constructive (1 Corinthians 10:23). A variety of health problems facing mankind are acquired through eating, smoking and drinking. Thus, a mature
Christian should reason out that he should guard his health so he must observe
an excellent lifestyle all throughout his life. Remember, Satan’s ministry is to
kill and destroy (John 10:10a).

Laziness or procrastination results to poverty. Thus, when
Satan would lure the body to relax in the midst of many things left undone, a
Christian should reason out that delaying would result to some opportunities forfeited. Remember, Satan’s ministry is to steal (John 10:10a).

There is superficially wonderful feeling linked to watching p0rn0graphic
films or movies or reading er0tic magazines or other related materials.
However, the lustful intentions could go beyond this and one may not find out
that he or she is already investing so much time and money just to fulfill personal
fleshly satisfaction, which would be compromising other areas of life. However,
there could never be satisfaction when it comes to lust of the flesh. In fact, there
are broken homes, unfulfilled careers and myriads of health-related problems
associated with lustful desires. Remember, Satan’s ministry is to steal,
kill and destroy (John 10:10a).

Now, the next time you will be tempted by Satan, use your mind, which is a real grace we receive from God, and manage to reason out, just as how Joseph, Job and Jesus made it.If you want to read the second tip on how to overcome temptation, kindly click on the article's link >> "How to overcome temptation - Refuse."

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